Planning your legacy: A Look At UK online will makers
We all want to leave a lasting impact on the world, and for many, that includes ensuring our loved ones are looked after after we’re gone. Traditionally, creating a will involved a trip to a solicitor, potentially hefty fees, and wading through legal jargon.
Thankfully, the digital age has brought a simpler solution: online will makers. Online will makers simplify estate planning. Also, consider the digital legacy policies of popular websites to manage your online assets. These UK-based services offer a convenient and affordable way to create a legally binding will from the comfort of your own home. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for you?
This blog will delve into the world of UK online will makers, exploring their features, pricing structures, and ease of use. We’ll help you navigate your options and find the perfect platform to plan your legacy and secure your loved ones’ futures. Learn more about what an electronic will is and how it can simplify your estate planning here.
Top 7 Online Will Writing Services in the UK
- Which?Wills
- Price: Basic Will: Starts around £70 (single) or £90 (mirror)
- Legal Support: Free telephone support from qualified lawyers if you have questions but no direct legal consultation included in base price.
- Free Trial: No Free Trial Available.
- Update Period: Free updates to your will for life.
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2.Farewill
- Price: Starts at £90 for a basic will, with packages for more complex situations.
- Legal Support: No
- Free Trial: No Free Trial Available
- Update Period: Wills can be updated for a fee of £10 per year.
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3. ActiveWills
- Price:
- Starter Will: £49.95 (single), £69.95 (mirrored)
- Family Will: £89.95 (includes children under 18)
- Premier Will: £129.95 (includes trusts & tax planning)
- Legal Support: No
- Free Trial: No Free Trial Available.
- Update Period: Free updates for life.
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4.ProperWills
- Price:
Basic Will: Starts from £29
Family Will: Starts from £49 (includes trusts for children)
- Legal Support: Option to have your will reviewed by a solicitor for an additional fee.
- Free Trial: No Free Trial Available.
- Update Period: Free updates for life.
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5.LegalWills.co.UK
- Price:
Basic Will: £49.95 (one year updates included)
Mirror Wills (for couples): £79.95 (one year updates included)
- Legal Support: No
- Free Trial: No free trial available.
- Update Period: Free updates for one year with initial purchase.
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- Price:
Standard Will: £86 for a single will, £129 for a couple.
Additional Services: Options like Protective Property Trust (£249 for a single will), and Discretionary Trust (£189 for a single will) are available for additional fees
- Legal Support: Will Drafters offers one-to-one advice with a professional will adviser who visits you to discuss your instructions, providing personalized support rather than relying on online or paper forms.
- Free Trial: No Free Trial mentioned, but they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied with their service
- Update Period: WillPlus service includes free updates for life
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7.Co Op Legal Services
- Price:
Single Will: Prices start at £150.
Mirror Will (for couples): Prices start at £245.
- Legal Support:
Co-op Legal Services provides comprehensive legal support, including consultations with experienced legal professionals. They offer telephone-based consultations to make the process convenient for clients
They are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring a high standard of legal service.
- Free Trial: No Free Trial Available
- Update Period: Co-op Legal Services allows updates to wills, but specific terms and costs for updates are not detailed on their website.
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TABLE
| Service | Price (Basic Will) | Legal Support | Free Trial | Updates | Pros | Cons |
| Which? Wills | Starts at £70 | Free telephone support | No | Free lifetime updates | Trusted brand, clear guidance, legal review option | More expensive, no free trial |
| Farewill | Starts at £90 | No | No | Paid updates (£10/year) | User-friendly, award-winning, various packages, easy updates | More expensive, not for complex estates |
| ActiveWills | Starts at £49.95 | No | No | Free lifetime updates | Affordable, easy to use, free updates | Limited legal support, no free trial |
| ProperWills | Starts from £29 | Solicitor review (additional fee) | No | Free lifetime updates | Affordable, user-friendly, free updates | Limited legal support, not for complex situations |
| LegalWills.co.UK | £49.95 (1 year updates) | No | No | Free updates for 1 year | Affordable, easy to use, straightforward format | Limited legal support, not for complex situations, renewal fees after 1 year |
| Will Drafters Ltd. | £86 (single), £129 (couple) | Personalized one-to-one meetings | No (30-day money-back guarantee) | Free updates with WillPlus service | Personalized service, convenient (home visits), money-back guarantee, experienced | Not fully automated (forms), extra charges for storage and trusts |
| Co Op Legal Services | Starts at £150 | Consultations with solicitors | No | Update terms not specified | Expert legal advice, convenient phone consultations, reputable, regulated service | Higher cost, mixed reviews on communication and delays |
How to Choose the Best UK Online Will Maker for Your Needs:
With so many online will makers in the UK, selecting the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide has equipped you to make an informed decision!
Consider Your Specific Needs:
- Budget: Prioritizing affordability? ActiveWills or ProperWills.
- Complexity: Do you have a simple or complex estate? Will Drafters Ltd. caters to straightforward situations, while LegalWills.co.UK offers support for more intricate needs.
- Features: Looking for additional legal documents or solicitor consultations? Co-op Legal Services and Farewill excel in these areas.
Remember:
- Complex Situations: While online will makers are convenient, more complicated estates may benefit from a solicitor’s expertise.
- Free Trials: Take advantage of any free trials offered to test the platform before making a commitment.
- Regular Updates: Review and update your will regularly. Note that update fees may apply.
Remember, securing your estate is not just about physical assets. Don’t forget to plan for your digital presence as well. Learn more about the digital legacy policies of popular websites to safeguard your online assets
Ultimately, the best online will maker is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. By considering the factors above and exploring the options listed, you’ll be well on your way to securing your legacy and providing peace of mind for your loved ones.
Start your will today and consider reading these estate planning books for expert advice
Disclaimer:
We have used publicly available information and are not affiliated with any of the services listed. Please note that service details may change without our knowledge.
